Tool for filing/grinding top of lead ballast

[s vernon]

Is there a good way to remove 1/8th inch from the top of a poured lead ballast. Surform and wood rasp do the job, but are very slow. I am thinking of maybe sacrificing a router bit. (?) I do not own a grinder, but this might be a good excuse to get one. Seems like the lead would quickly fill up and ruin a grinding wheel. It is winter in Atlanta so I could easily freeze the lead overnight if that has any benefit.

I make big cuts with a Jr. Sawzall, but 1/8th inch seems like a job for something with more finesse/control.

Thank you.

Scott

[Doug Wotring]

I think the rasp is the way to go, you can get them with larger "teeth"

[kahle67]

I screwed up on my current boats pour and had to remove some lead from up forward. Used a dremel tool with a router bit attachment (dremel makes them). I was able to remove nearly 8oz. and placed that weight on the back of the pour to trim the boat out properly. Be careful not to let the tool get away from you, though.

Reichard Kahle

[PaulP]

You'll find the lead machines better if it is chilled. At room temp, the surform tool is going to be your best bet. Might be tedious but I think you'll prefer the job it does.

Anything that produces heat only creates a problem as the lead melts and clogs the cutting edges.

Paul P

[kahle67]

The dremel router attachment only has two cutting blades. The lead does not build up on the cutting tool. Instead it flings all over the place. Good point on cooling the lead though for conventional sanding or grinding.

RK